The toxic air poses severe health risks to New Delhi's population of over 30 million, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues. PM2.5 particles, small enough to enter the bloodstream, are linked to cancer and other chronic diseases. The pollution also exacerbates environmental degradation, with secondary particles formed from ammonia in fertilisers further contributing to the crisis. A study published in The Lancet estimated 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were linked to air pollution.